Devoid of color, objects need to stand on their own. Form takes on greater significance. Light and shadow become amplified and pieces start to take on a dramatic appeal. From the simpliest most basic form to over-th-top embellishment and great detail, the designer’s work becomes amplified when executed in all white. Shown here, Berruti Italia’s Valentina C Chair by Maurizio Galante. This white steel rod structure is quite literally “dressed” in all white. The incredible dimension of the upholstery is played up with the striking shadows on white. FTF Design Studio has a penchant for white in design. The very basic form or the CU Table, is all about space and light and shadow.
Black defines space – it creates a strong profile against almost any backdrop. Using black on smaller pieces makes their presence that much more significant. Here are a few small modern occasional tables that stand out from the crowd:
Rava by Bussolari Italy – this Italian company offers a range of tables and accessories in black and white. Each of the designs is bold and graphic.
Marcel Wanders does not skimp on detail. In his New Antique Table Wanders uses his unique vocabulary to express a wood turned base with all the intricate detailing of the past with a smoked glass top and a decidedly contemporay connection between base and top @ Context
From Phase Design, Primi Tray Table – a contemporary take on the Butler’s table. Primi is a a solid steel flat bar base with an inset of bronze mirror or colored plate. Base available in flat and gloss black or white powder coat finish. Color plate available in various colors.
The appeal of a black and white photograph may be in the form. In the absence of color you can redirect your focus to depth, line and gradation. Black and white interiors can be similarly captivating. The classic combination can make a major design element pop or call our attention to details. In these vignettes from ASI Interios in Chicago, black and white are tastefully combined to provide interest, focus and a sense of design intent.
In this bedroom, a range from white to tan is used in a variety of subtle but differentiated textures. The sculptural lamp base, which could certainly hold its own, is punctuated with the simple solid black shade. The addition of the stark contrast draws our attention, not to the black shade, but directly to the figure giving the piece dominance in the composition. The result is not wholly classical or contemporary, but does a wonderful job of bridging the two.
A modern black counter and oversized silver mirror with a distinctive sink and faucet design could easily feel overpowering. But in this case, ASI Interiors used a large, graphic black and white wall paper that offers the perfect counterbalance to the contemporary vanity. The wall graphic holds its own on several counts: the contrasting black and white color combination, the large scale of the motif and the juxtaposition of the curvy, swirling lines against the harder edges of the vanity.
An entry with no furnishings, only built-in display niches - yet the strength of the high contrast color scheme makes the space feel full and alive. The black door commands attention – the adjacency of the display shelving creates prominence by association. One can step from initial impact, to adjacent point of interest and down to the detail of the shelf contents, the floor and ceiling.
All of the work in this article is from projects completed by ASI Interiors’ Denise Antonucci and Jerry Sanfilippo, ASID. They have been working together for over 15 years in the Chicago area.
Australian company EcoSmart produces clean burning, ash and smoke free fireplaces and fire features. Some of their newest offerings have really taken things a step further. Dish Fireplace has a Corten-like rusted steel appearance. The form is informed by the traditional campfire but refined with modern lines. Completely portable and capable of warming those gathered around – Dish provides instant atmosphere.
Using only a black sharpie, one man skillfully adorns the walls of his basement. He does not limit himself to the walls. The design carries over to select furnishings as well. An interesting and budget-friendly idea.
